Evaluating online learning: a review of studies on e-testing in the university context

Andrea Nardi

Abstract

Nowadays, the class size and the growing number of undergraduate students generate unprecedented problems of management, monitoring and evaluation of learning. From this point of view technologies may provide opportunities which deserve to be investigated for their potential to contribute to solve problems related to the management of large size classes. Since many teachers show resistance towards the replacement of traditional exams with e-assessment, little effort has been made for the innovation of the evaluation procedures at the university level. However, several studies have been carried out in this field. This paper provides an overview of the current electronic evaluation activity in the university context. Data shows benefits related to students’ monitoring for the simplification of procedures and the reduction of teachers’ cognitive load. Moreover students appreciate the electronic mode for the possibility to obtain immediate feedback. The challenges concern the technological infrastructure, the scalability and safe use.